Sikyong Launches TPI’s latest publication on Tibet’s environment ahead of COP26

Over recent years, the ecology of the Tibetan Plateau has been extensively discussed and debated among a number of environmental experts, strategists, and researchers highlighting its significance and impact on global climate change which has led to the Tibetan Plateau gaining massive interest and support from the governments including world leaders and various organisations.

In an effort to strengthen support and awareness on the issue of Tibet’s environment, the Environment & Development Desk (EDD) of CTA’s Tibet Policy Institute (TPI) has released its latest publication titled ‘Tibetan Perspectives on Tibet’s Environment‘ during a press conference this morning. At the same time, TPI also launched its annual report titled ‘ Tibet 2020:  A Year in Review’ highlighting pressing issues and events that had taken place in Tibet throughout 2020.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering officiated the launch of the book along with the TPI’s Director Dawa Tsering, Head of EDD Tempa Gyaltsen Zamlha, Senior Researcher Tenzin Desal, and Secretary Karma Choeying of Departement of Information and International Relations (DIIR).

Tempa Zamlha, Executive Head of EDD explaining the background context of the book and describing its objective said that the book was a compilation of reports, papers and articles prepared by EDD from 2010-2020, a part of the Climate Action for Tibet’ initiative by EDD. He said that the book was also the first comprehensive book on Tibet’s environment solely written by Tibetan environment researchers with a strong Tibetan perspective while further noting that the book draws its inspiration from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long-standing concern for environmental conservation works as well as the deteriorating environmental situation in Tibet.

The sole objective of the book explained by Tempa Zamlha was to present the perspective of Tibetans towards Tibet’s environmental crisis and vividly informing the actual situations of Tibet’s environment while  ensuring it’s protection from further destructions. He urged the researchers and environmentalists to refer to this book for their research on Tibet’s environment.

EDD’s Head also explained that the book aims to signal the official commencement of the ‘COP26-Climate Action for Tibet‘ campaign by the Central Tibetan Administration ahead of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in the UK in November 2021.

Senior Researcher at TPI, Tenzin Desal introduced the events that led to the development of the book followed by Sikyong’s keynote address.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Sikyong Penpa Tsering remarked that the book was a much-needed repository of information and facts valuable for the world to understand the environmental issues of Tibet over the last 10 years and its relevance to global climate change. He added that having such comprehensive book written solely by Tibetan researchers some of whom have lived the experiences of the changing ecology of Tibet offers an important aspect to the issue that is necessary and something that he noted is rarely found in books written by non-Tibetan researchers while also adding that the book was an added value and important source of reference to the experts and researchers on Tibet’s ecology.

In retrospect, Sikyong reiterated that the book was equally a call out to the Tibetans in exile to understand the significance of preserving Tibet’s environment as well as to act responsibly. He said, “It is imperative that more Tibetan researchers including writers and experts contribute to disseminating factual information about Tibet and it’s environmental issues”.

Sikyong further said that the book also serves as a potential mechanism for the governments and world leaders in framing policies and making Tibet’s environmental issue a substantial case. He noted that the book will be a contributing factor to those attending the forthcoming COP26 UN conference on climate change to be held in Scotland.

In conclusion, Sikyong reiterated the commitment of the 16th Kashag to prioritise Tibet’s environmental issue at the forefront of its advocacy.

source:Staff Reporter

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